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Well, its obvious to many that Batwoman’s release has been pushed back yet again. This was not our choice, and as to why, I’m not at liberty to really discuss. So the release may be farther away now, but be assured that work is still commencing. The upside to a later release means that gives us plenty of time to get a lot of issues done. Amy has turned in some variant cover work for the series and has shown us thumbnails for issue 6, looks really nice. So while I’m moving forward, she is too, we’ll have my arc done and hers well on it’s way to completion by the time this thing rolls out. The only real downside is that solicits were pulled on us twice, making readers heads spin, wish that didn’t happen, but it has, lets just make the best of it. I’m fast approaching the middle of issue 3’s interior art, Haden and I’ve started working on script for issue 8, the first 5 covers are done, and Dave has had issue 2 in his hands for his special magic touch.

Its a bit ironic that the release has been pushed back again considering that DC decided to show preview pages this same week. I too was going to be showing the cover to issue 3 in a couple weeks for when that issue was to be solicited, now that solicit isn’t happening at this time. But I’m going to show it anyway right now, to keep spirits up.

Here is the rough sketch done for editorial approval…
Here’s the black and white version. You can see quite few elements were added or altered based on the sketched rough above.
Now the colored version by me, using photoshop. At this stage I had planned on adding that zigzag design motif that is indicated in the rough sketch. But after seeing it this far along, it just seemed wiser to keep the design a little more simple. I’ve been feeling that way about most of the new covers for the series so far. I’m not sure if has to do with the psychology of them, being more on the horror side. But it just feels right to leave off some of the flourishes I tend to do, this time around.
And here is the logo. This was a bit tough to figure out properly because I didn’t want it to be intrusive, but it needed to stand out too, graphically. And there were some space limitations to contend with as well.

Wow I had no idea it had been delayed again! I checked DC’s site and now I can’t find it listed for any month, how big a push was it?
I’m sorry for the run of bad luck with the date, I’m disappointed to see it delayed again but I understand.

And that cover is phenomenal! As much as I loved your previous covers each following one never ceases to blow me away. The water theme really lets you showcase your ink washing, and I love how each character has a unique style they’re depicted in.

Thanks for addressing this, Mr. W. I know a lot of people were getting upset and blaming the creators on this pushback, but I had a feeling that wasn’t the case. Whatever may have caused it, I hope that it’s resolved quickly and painlessly for all involved so that we get the Batwoman goodness come Fall. 😀

Also, thank you for the beautiful cover. I love just about everything you do, but that black and white version of the cover literally made my jaw drop. I hope it’s not an insult to Ms. Reeder that your covers (whether regular or variant flavor) are the ones I’ll be sticking with.

Hang in there, and I’m glad that the fact you’ll all get some extra lead time with the issues is a bright spot coming out of this announcement.

Hey there Aria
Thank you very much for the support, and glad that you like the new covers. I would give an actual new release date, if I had official permission to do so at this time. But I’m sure information will be available soon.

It will be more than worth it in the end. Really, so long as you’re happy with the final result, I don’t mind how long it takes. I guess it’s just unfortunate that it has been solicited twice, but there’s no helping that.

And at least there’ll be a run of issues ready by the time it starts. I think most people would much prefer delays before arcs begin rather than in the middle of them.

Hello Luis
Thanks for the mention of the spanish, we’ve already discovered that problem, and are working on a better version.

Spanish is a tricky thing because of some the regional differences that can occur. Those differences can make it to where one person will say the line is okay, and another say its not. We’ve had several variant versions of the line presented to us.

We are tying to use a Mexican spanish from a character who comes from a poor and less formal spanish speaking background. It can be tough to get that idea across, because so many people want to read it as formal spanish, when it’s meant to be imperfect based a cultural aspect of the character.

Back when I was growing up on comics — two years shy of 50 since reading my first Batman comic book (#156) in 1963 — DC National Comics published Superman and Batman along with many other titles less than monthly, many from 6-10 times a year and I was very happy to get them at that pace.

So let me say, 6-8 quality issues a year and one HC Batwoman collection annually is AOK with this reader, and, I suspect, virtually all of my fellow JW3 peeps. If a few of us need to remind the powers that be at DC about this, give us the word and tell us who to contact.

I think some of you are misinterpreting Mr. Williams’ remarks in thinking that this delay had nothing to do with the creators. I suspect, rather, that a monthly schedule was simply not going to be viable with an April release, and that they want to wait until the first arc is in the can to start publishing it. (No disrespect meant to Mr. Williams – I’d wait as long as I need to for that kind of art.)

Some of the most successful books of the past decade published by DC and Marvel have been ones written by Grant Morrison for alleged “monthly” publication. I think the results have turned out rather well for all parties involved. I hope DC gets this too…

Thanks for the update! I’m sorry things are getting mucked up, that must really suck. But the cover looks beautiful! And your work on that logo paid off in my opinion- it isn’t intrusive to the original art at all and it is just as edgy. It personifies the cover work you have done with Batwoman if anything! And the wave element you added is really interesting. It adds a different sort of movement that is found in the characters? I’m not sure how to articulate. Anyway it reminded me of Robert Longo’s ‘Monsters’ series!

Hello Sabrina
Thanks very much. I’m glad you like how I handle the logo placements. That sort of thing can be tough to figure out. My favorite thing is when a logo compliments and works with the image, rather than the sort of stamped on look that so often is what we see these days.

This comic book worth waiting for. The work that you and Amy do is beautiful, and I have no doubt that readers will enjoy it immensely the moment it arrives. Sending encouraging thoughts and fan vibes your way!

First things first, You do amazing work! Just the way you balance everything and make it all flow into a beautiful masterpeice is superb! You ALWAYS seem to come up with the most original covers. Each has one similarity: They all look awesome! Do what you do best!

Second, I don’t know if you can say this, but who is the blonde woman thats holding a gun up to Kate?

Third, how long did it take you to get from first line on the paper(Not including the rough sketch) to the beautiful finished product?

Hello Erika
Thanks very much. I guess the most difficult part for us, is the longer it takes for the release, the more anxious we feel. This can get us to be a little paranoid that by the time it comes out, expectations will so be so high we couldn’t possibly match them. Or the reverse, nobody will be interested anymore. But we will keep our heads up and hope for the best, so thanks again for the support.
🙂

Hey there Matt
Glad you are digging these covers. I’m having fun doing them.

As for the woman holding the gun to Batwoman’s head, since you don’t know who she is I don’t want to spoil it for you, so you’ll have to wait to read it. Savvy readers who have followed my work may be able to figure it out. But if some of you do figure it out, keep quiet for those that don’t know.
😉

As for length of time on the cover, 3 days, from start to finished color.

Hey J3 – Well, I for one, am just happy that progress is being made and that we KNOW the issues will be out as soon as possible. I love the stuff you’ve shown us so far and cannot wait to get into the stories and see the rest of the art.

Please realize that your fans know the delay isn’t on your side and that we’ll be here waiting – we know you want to see Kate on the shelves as much as we do.

Thanks for the latest preview cover – it’s awesome and I love the colors!

Yes I agree with how you feel on logo placement. When a logo works with the image it really adds to the sense of design of the comic book! I think thats whats really great about comic book covers, you can really mix art and design to its full effect!